The Brat in the Cellar

Restaurants commonly refer to their everyday wine by the glass as the "house wine." It is often listed on the menu as "house wine" or sometimes it will say something like, "We proudly serve the wines of Robert Mondavi by the glass." This is another way to identify the "house wine." More often than not these wines come from kegs, boxes or large jugs. If you're looking for the cheap stuff, or just don't want to spend $8 per glass or $20+ on a bottle, "house wine" is what you're after.

Now, when I say "house wine," I'm talking about something entirely different. I mean the "everyday wine" in my house. Have you ever heard someone say, "My house Champagne is Tattinger - I wouldn't be caught dead drinking anything else!" That may be somewhat of an exaggeration [I've heard even more ridiculous things, but that's another story ... ] but just think of the concept - having a "house wine" of your own can be pretty cool.

By choosing a house white, house red, house bubbly or house dessert wine, you are always prepared for unexpected company or better yet, whenever you're thirsty and the mood for a glass of wine strikes you. Maybe you had a long day at work, maybe you like to relax at the end of the day with some wine, maybe you are wondering if that Chardonnay really does taste good with the meatloaf on your plate, maybe there is an unexpected reason to celebrate something. By having "house wine" at your house, you're always ready ... and by purchasing wine in volume [usually by the case], you get discounts - anywhere from 10%-15%-20%. If your store does not offer a case discount, find one that does!

The keys to choosing a "house wine" are simple. First, choose wines that you like. It may also be helpful to choose styles that generally appeal to others - like those unexpected neighbors and family members that pop over. You also have to have your budget in mind. We all have limits on our wine spending, so picking your comfort zone will eliminate several bottles, making your final decisions that much easier. Wealthy people that summer in the Hamptons on Long Island may have $50 white Burgundy's and Dom Perignon as their "house wines." [excuse me while I wipe the drool off my keyboard] Cheapskates, like me, may choose a $6 white Bordeaux or a $7 Riesling from New York as house whites, or a Beaujolais-Villages for a house red. It's totally up to you, and that's part of the fun.

Another key ingredient, at least for me, is the "seasonality" of wine. In the summer I love crisp, zingy Sauvignon Blancs and dry Rieslings. In the fall I adore Pinot Noir. In the dead of winter, I like a hearty Cabernet Sauvignon or a big, rich, mouth warming Port.

You can be as selective as you want [and can afford]. You may want to buy a case of white, red and sparkling wine for the entire year and make changes the following year, or, you may want to take a more seasonal approach, like I do. Maybe you just want to buy 2 bottles of white, 2 bottles of red and 2 bottles of sparkling wine and replace them when you get around to it. Every time I set foot in a wine/liquor store I'm on the prowl, looking for new house wine candidates. It's entirely up to you and the choices are virtually unlimited - reasons like this are just part of what makes wine is so appealing to me. Wine is part of everyday life in Europe, why can't it be for you?

And another thing, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg for some good wine to keep around your house. Everyday wine should not be draining your 401k or your life savings. Following are several suggestions that I feel are worthy [and that even I can afford] as "house wines."

House Wine Candidates

Sauvignon Blanc: Monsieur Touton - Bordeaux, France, Casa Lapostelle - Chile, Geyser Peak - California, Babich - New Zealand

Chardonnay: Yellow Tail - Australia, Alice White - Australia, Gallo of Sonoma - California, Columbia Crest - Washington, Meridian - California.

Pinot Grigio: Cavit - Italy, Campanile - Italy

Sparkling Wine: Domaine Ste. Michelle [brut / blanc de noir / blanc de blanc] - Washington

Merlot: Fetzer Eagle Peak - California, Gallo of Sonoma - California, Veramonte - Chile, Dallas-Conte - Chile, Delicato - California

Pinot Noir: Villa Mt. Eden Coastal - California

Cabernet Sauvignon: Gallo of Sonoma - California, Dallas-Conte - Chile, Black Opal - Australia, Fetzer Valley Oaks - California, Hess Select - California

Zinfandel: Cline - California, Ravenswood Vintners Blend - California

Like I said before, there are thousands of bottles out there waiting for you - try some of these suggestions [let me know what you think] and think about choosing some "house wine" for yourself ...

Tasting Notes - hey, give me a break! I'm not Robert Parker Jr.!

2000 Georges Dubeouf Beaujolais-Villages - Beaujolais, France: Purple/plum color. Nose is full of ripe, fruity cherries. Lush and rich on the palate, this has more body than you'd expect from a Beaujolais-Villages level wine. Finish is long, sweet and full of ripe fruit. Wow. Dubeouf [often referred to as the King of Beaujolais] considers this vintage to be his best ever from this appellation. Amazing value at $5.99 - perfect candidate for "house wine."

2001 Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough, New Zealand: Pale/watery color. Intense nose - fresh fruit, flowers, passion fruit, lemon/lime. Delicious on the palate - clean, well balanced, focused, tangy with lime notes on the finish. Excellent with a hunk of goat cheese and some fresh bread. Bargain at $9.99.

That's it, finally! Thanks for the visit. As always, please feel free to write me at cellarbrat1@yahoo.com with your comments, questions and suggestions. Everyone gets a reply! All feedback is welcomed and appreciated.

See ya next time from the cellar, and remember wine is more fun than you think ...

Gunerman writes "The Brat In The Cellar" monthly for the Rochester, NY chapter of Wine Brats. The column is featured on Robin Garr's WineLoverPage.com and mirrored at www.BratintheCellar.com.

Also available is "The Brat Report", a weekly subscription based wine newsletter designed to educate and entertain. "The Brat Report" is available for $12/year. To subscribe, send a check/money order along with a valid e/mail address to: The Brat In The Cellar, PO Box 462, Pittsford, NY 14534. Have questions? Want to see a free sample? Send an e-mail to thebratreport@hotmail.com. Everyone gets a reply!

Volume Two
Number 3
March 20, 2002

All contents © copyright 1981-2009 by Robin Garr, www.WineLoversPage.com

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